Exploring the Impacts of Displacement on the Health Security of Idps In Addis Ababa: The Case of Bole Sub-City
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Date
2024-06
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Addis Ababa Unversity
Abstract
The growing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ethiopia is attracting humanitarian concern.
There have been influxes of IDPs migrating to Addis Ababa abandoning their habitual residence for the sake
of getting relief. However, these IDPs are facing several challenges. Thus, this study focused on the impact
of displacement on the health security of internally displaced persons in Addis Ababa: the Case of Bole Sub City. The main objective of the study is to investigate the impacts of displacement on the health security of
IDPs in Addis Ababa. It tried to answer three questions. These are: What are the health security challenges
of the IDPs in Addis Ababa; what factors that contributed to health security challenges of the IDPs in Addis
Ababa and how health security challenges of the IDPs could be addressed. To achieve these objectives, the
research targeted two data sources; internally displaced persons located in Bole Bulbula and the concerned
stake holders. Concerning the sampling technique employed in this study was purposive sampling for select ing the IDPs and key informants. The instruments used to collect data were interview, Focused group dis cussion, and observation. Then, as the obtained result indicated these IDPs are facing several health chal lenges due to the problem in getting the basic needs and health care services. So, they were mostly suffering
from infectious diseases which broke out recurrently. These diseases are like mumps, measles, diarrhea, ma laria, and tuberculosis. They are also suffering from malnutrition especially children and expectant and
nursing mothers. These all were resulted from the lack of access to basic needs and healthcare services.
However, the responses of the government were not satisfactory and made it their survival worse. But some
reliving actions were made as immediate solutions even if they were not successful enough Besides, no hu manitarian agencies were requested to offer support to these IDP population; no involvement of NGOs or
other humanitarian agencies as the (African Union) Kampala Convention on Internally Displaced Persons
(IDPs) Guiding Principles demand. The government‟s response was not as it was expected to save the lives
of these people and maintain the health security as well as human security. As a result, it is recommended
that these IDP populations need at least temporary relief owing to the dire challenges they are facing. The
very basic needs like water, shelter, clothing, latrines and health care should be addressed until a long lasting solution is rendered. Moreover, by taking into consideration the cost of human lives these problems
may cause, durable solutions are required. These are like returning to their habitual residence or resettling
this IDP population will help to improve the situation; and it can bring life-long change.
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Keywords
Internally Displaced Persons, health security Bole Sub-City, Kampala Convention on IDPs, durable solution, temporary relief and infectious disease.